Veteran infielder Brendan Rodgers and the Houston Astros agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training on Wednesday, per Ari Alexander of KPRC 2. Rodgers became a free agent for the first time on November 22 after being non-tendered by the Colorado Rockies. After being selected third overall in the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft, Rodgers debuted on May 19, 2019, against the Philadelphia Phillies as a second baseman. Being drafted in the top three also comes with high expectations. Rodgers provided bright moments in his time with Colorado, but frustrating injuries have plagued his career. He will look to put a full season together in 2o25.
Astros Ink Veteran Infielder Brendan Rodgers to Minor League Deal
Per Spotrac, Rodgers was the ninth-ranked second baseman heading into the offseason. He is great value for the Astros this close to spring training. The six-year veteran infielder has a solid career WAR of 5.9. In 1690 career at-bats, Rodgers has hit .266/.316/.409 with 45 homers and 197 RBI. He was set to be the Rockies’ second baseman of the future alongside third baseman Nolan Arenado and shortstop Trevor Story. But consistent injuries stopped him from building any momentum. In 2023, Rodgers played 46 games and has never played more than 137 in a single season.
In 2024, Rodgers was in line with his career numbers. He hit .267/.314/.407 with 13 homers and 54 RBI. Per Statcast, he finished in the 70th percentile in the MLB with a Hard-Hit rate of 44.1%. However, his 5.8% walk and 5.6% barrel rates ranked in the bottom 25% of the league. He did manage to bounce back from a shoulder injury that limited him to just 46 games in 2023, playing in 135 in 2024. Rodgers is also a quality defender, winning a Gold Glove at second base in 2022. At 28 years old, Rodgers can still make an impact as a top-tier second baseman if he stays healthy.
With the Astros trying out star Jose Altuve in left field, signing Rodgers makes a lot of sense. Rodgers lacks Altuve’s speed and plate discipline but is an excellent defender and has had stellar offensive stretches in Colorado. The main issue with Rodgers is injuries. He has stumbled out of the blocks due to his inability to stay on the field. But if Rodgers can get consistent at-bats in spring training and impress, he could be a steal for Houston this season.
Top 2024 Moments and Splits
Rodgers endured a brutal stretch to begin the 2024 season. In March, Rodgers hit .118/.118/.176 with just two hits in 17 at-bats. In April, May, and June, Rodgers played much better, hitting .296/.337/.459 with five home runs and 27 RBI in 223 at-bats. In August, Rodgers had his best month of the season, hitting .330/.364/.573 with six home runs and 16 RBI in 103 at-bats. One of his best games of the season came in a 12-8 loss to the Miami Marlins in a Coors Field Classic on August 29. Rodgers went 3-5 with two home runs and three RBI. He had several big games in Colorado in 2024 but struggled to bring that production on the road.
In 235 home at-bats, Rodgers hit a scorching .328/.386/.502 with nine homers and 35 RBI. In 266 road at-bats, Rodgers hit .214/.247/.323 with four home runs and 19 RBI. He also had an 83:11 K: BB ratio on the road compared to a 49:20 K: BB ratio at home. Although his 135 games played was a major improvement from 2023, he still had several stints on the IL.
Rodgers Outlook With Astros
Rodgers must prove he can be an effective hitter outside of Coors Field. He will no longer have to deal with the constant altitude changes that have hindered so many Rockies hitters when they go out on the road. Although there could be an adjustment period, it is reasonable to think that Rodgers could be an effective batter for Houston with more consistent hitting environments. Rodgers joins a talented lineup that includes Altuve, designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, and newly added first baseman Christian Walker. As a player who has spent his entire career with a rebuilding Rockies squad, Rodgers will attempt to reach the postseason for the first time with Houston.
Main Photo Credits: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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